Beaufort Memorial Hospital was selected to participate in the palliative care study conducted by researchers from the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

The hospital seeks area residents to share experiences as end-of-life caregivers in two-session focus groups.

Focus group participants must be African-American or Caucasian and have cared for a family member or other loved one 60 or older who died within the last year.

Participants will receive a $20 Walmart gift card and a $15 gas card for each focus group session attended.

The focus groups will be held at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Beaufort college building, 801 Carteret Street. Group A will meet from 5:30-7:45 p.m. Sept. 17 and from 6-7:45 p.m. Sept. 24. Group B will meet from 5:30-7:45 p.m. Sept. 19 and from 6-7:45 p.m. Sept. 26. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages will be served.

Palliative care focuses on preventing and relieving the suffering of patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable diseases, those living with chronic diseases and those nearing the end of life.

Although it has been shown to reduce patients’ symptoms, alleviate pain and reduce hospital costs, palliative care is not available in many geographic areas of the country, especially in rural sections of the southern United States.

To participate in the focus groups or for more information, contact Cindy Coburn-Smith at 522-5835 or ccoburns@bmhsc.org.